New York state attorney general: Town needs to dump English-only law

Jackson town law said to violate U.S. Constutition

Updated 9:08 pm, Tuesday, May 17, 2011

ALBANY -- Attorney General Eric Schneiderman wants the Washington County town of Jackson to repeal its English-only law, which his office says is discriminatory and violates the First Amendment.

Town officials drew international attention last year when they passed the ordinance mandating that all town business must be conducted in English.

Local officials scheduled a hearing for their June 1 meeting during which they might vote on rescinding the law after receiving a request in an April 27 letter signed by Janet Sabel, Schneiderman's executive deputy attorney general for social justice.

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Action from the attorney general's office was first reported Tuesday in the Glens Falls Post Star.

The English-only law was adopted about a year ago in action following approval of similar measures in the neighboring communities of Easton and Argyle.

In her letter to Jackson Town Supervisor Alan Brown, Sabel said the law discriminates against those who speak no English and could deter people from reporting crimes, seeking medical care or getting access to services and benefits.

Additionally, Sabel said the law violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. About 1,700 people live in Jackson.